The San Diego Padres' ongoing quest for a World Series (or at least a playoff title). "You know that many runners enter a race, but only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Unlikely Heroes

Rob Johnson, Eric Patterson, Mat Latos. Not your average Home Run Derby winners.

Since the entire regular Padres lineup has had no success at anything close to hitting and scoring runs, it’s refreshing to see some unlikely guys stepping up and getting the job done. It’s almost like they were sitting there patiently while all the rest of the guys were floundering at the plate, and then when they finally got their chance, they were just like, watch how it’s done.

In last night’s game at Petco Park against the Pirates, these three guys really stepped up and helped us win a great game. We overcame two Pittsburgh leads, which was huge.

Latos started the game, and he didn’t do too badly. He actually threw a lot better than he has been lately. He went six innings, allowing only two runs on six hits with five strikeouts. And, he hit a solo home run in the third inning for our first run of the game. His average is .111.

An out later, Patterson hit a solo homer. He only had two hits in 28 at-bats before last night’s game, which was not good at all. His average this season is .133.

The Pirates scored three runs in the top of the seventh to overtake our lead of 5-2. In the bottom of the seventh, we got two runs: one on a bases loaded walk, and one on a double play.

In the bottom of the eighth, Johnson hit a solo home run to take the lead, 6-5.

Heath Bell got the save, extending his streak of straight saves to 41, which also ties Trevor Hoffman for the longest streak by a Padre.

You’re going to hear the word “unlikely” a lot about this game. And it’s definitely the best word to describe it. But if the guys who are playing every day aren’t stepping up, why shouldn’t these other guys get the big hits when we need them?

I think it was great. And I think that these guys deserve a little more playing time.

So, the series is tied. I think it would be huge if we were able to get the win today for the series win. We seriously need it. And we get to face our old friend Kevin Correia, who has a record of 4-2. It’s going to be fun.

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